Electrical socket



Aug. 19, 1941. s, M DEL MP 2,252,918

ELECTRICAL SOCKET Filed Feb. 18, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet l .Fltgo 8 4,

I nvenio 72' JcipioneM .DeZCam Aug. 19, 1941. s, M. DEL CAMP ELECTRICAL SOCKET Filed Feb. 18, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 49 Inveni-ort Jci nioneMDeZLamp,

shown in FigrlO; d v I Fig. 12,isa. frontyiewo! .the socket member.

. v "ELECTRICAL sooner I I Scipionell/L-"D'el CamwMaywood; 111., assignor to Cinch Manufacturing. Corporation, 11]., a corporation of Illinois ."Al pllcation February} Chicago,

a. 1939. Serial. No. 257.220

. sockets. for radio; :tubes land the;f jli ke'l:and is directed particularlylto thosesockets. avi'ng'azbo're for. receiving a cooperating positioning. ar-grounding .pr'ong of. a .radioi:tube.2 T

n In the drawings which illustrateipreferred a...

bodimentszof myinvention:

Fig." 1 is a topwview of: a jsocketm'eniber with:

first .Iorm of positionin'gsmember; 5 i

Fig.2 isa bottom 'viewcof :thetso'cker shown in Fig; l with .my' firstxzforin ci positioning .{-key assembled therewith; 1.-

Fig.13is-a front view showing a'so'cketimember carrying my first ,forms'oi'. positioningjkey: secured to a support and a vacuum? tiibe assembled with the'socket member? l; I

i Fig. 4 isia front view'ofapartoi-the tube-member shownyinFig.-.3:- 5

Fig. 5 is van enlarged sectional-view; taken on my first form: or fpositioninggkey;

showing the mannerinmhich the =-positioning key is assembl'eciiwith'theplate;

Fig. 7 is an enlargedse tionalviewytaken along Fig. 8'is an enlarged side. viewa my first term of positioning keyper se: r

20 theline' 5-501 Fig. 2 showing a positioning prong oi the tube member-in electrical: engagement with the sockets Each of my preferred i'orms of positioning keys may also serve solely as a 'terminalcontact to engage'electrically a proper. V 1 prong oi a radio tube or they may be used as a combination positioning key and contact. The socket shown inFigs. 1 through 7, with which I have'chosen to illustrate the use of my-first form v V of positioning key, may be of different style from which .I have chosenmto illustrate. the. use; of my the socket shown in Figs. 10 through 14, with which my second form of positioning key is pref- .-.erably assembled.

' The socket. member illustrated in Figs. 1

- through 7 comprises top and bottom dielectric plates 1 and {hereinafter referred to in the claims as aba'se member'of insulating material,

a pos itioning key 3 disposed, in my preferred form, in'th'e center of the socket member for re-x ceiving a positioning prong 4 of a tube member 5,

' ancia plurality oi'socket contact terminals 6 of anywell known construction assembled with the I insulating'plates l and 2 in any well known man-' ner.- The .top plate I has a series of pin-receiving Fig. 9 is a .front-viewo! .the positioning keyshownin Fig.8; I d I Fig.10 is .topview .showing'ano'therform of socket me V er havingmy second formof positioning ke assembled-therewith; Fig. .11 is a bottomview Fig. 15 'is,an enlargedi'rontview of my second form o'fapositioning key per, se; and

Fiz.v16 is asside viewbofzthe positioni shown in Fig..1 5.

'of-the socket m mber circle and imalignment with pin receiving apertures 8 .(Fig. 2.) in the bottomplate ,2. The terminals 6 have openings 9 (Fig. 2) inalignment with the openings 1; and 8 of the respective insulating plates adapted to receive cally engage terminal pins Ill (Fig. 4) extendin beyond the lower end of the tube, member.

Inthe center of the top plate I I have formed arelatively large opening II for accommodating the passage or the positioning prong of the tube memben The opening H comprises a generally circular portion l2 for receiving the .generally cylindrical shank l3 0! the positioning prong l and a lateral extension H for receiving a laterally-projecting rib I5 disposed on one side of theprong 4. The lower plate 2 has an open- I extension I8 in alignment with the extension [4 Reterringgtde the drawings. I have shown sockets for radio tubes-and the like having a hollow member or key for'receiving a positioning prong of a partto be'attaohed to. the socket. as, tor-example. a-radio-tube, so asto locate the proper projecting contacts or pins of the tube 1 member with proper pinereceivingcontacts of,

of the opening I l.

My first'form of positioning key 3 is preferably formed of sheet metalso as to make proper electrical engagement with ha prong 4 of the tube member when the prong is a terminal, as well as to efiect secure attachment of the tube member and /electril upper end disposed between the insulating plates I and 2 and overlying the upper surface of the lower plate 2 adjacent the opening lfi (Fig. 6) thereby maintaining the positioning key in asthe parts as well as 'Eniaintaining the tube mem-.

stantially parallel relation to the axis of the bore 23. .The arms 28-28 have oppositely arranged inwardly-extending shoulder portion 29 adjacent sembly with the socket member when the parts of the socket are finally secured together. One of the features of my invention is directed to the fact that the positioning key has a cut 22 extending entirely through the wall of the cylindrical portion I9 in a line substantially parallel to the axis of the bore 2|! forming spaced edges 23-23 expansible relative to each other for a purpose to be described. Adjacent the upper end of the cylindrical portion I9 I have provided a pair of ears 24-24 disposed in opposite relation with their freeends terminating adjacent the cut 22.

- The ears 24-24 extend outwardly from the normal curvature of the cylindrical portion I9 and inwardly laterally beyond the edges 23-23 of the cylindrical portion disposed immediately beneath the ears forming a flute-like portion 25 adapted to be disposed within the lateral extension I8 of the opening I5 of the lower plate 2 for receiving the rib I5 of the positioning prong 4, as most clearly shown in Fig. 6. The area of the cylindrical portion I9 through the flute-like portion 25 is slightly greater than the area of the positioning prong 4 through the rib |5 with the result that the positioning key receives the entire cross-,

sectional area of the prong 4 through the rib I5 upon initial entrance of the prong into the key. Immediately beneath the ears 24-24 the cut 22 has an enlarged portion 26 (Fig. 9) of greater width than the rib I5 of the prong 4. The cut 22 preferably tapers from the relatively wide portion 26 to the lowermost end of the cylindrical portion I9 forming a portion 21 (Fig. 9) adjacent the lower end of a width less than that of the rib I5 so that the edges 2'3-23 adjacent the portion 21 preferably engage the rib when it is extended thereinto, as hereinafter described.

Engagement of the positioning prong 4 with the positioning key is a relatively simple matter and is carried out through relative rotation of the tube member until the rib I5 is in alignment with the lateral extension I4 of the opening II of the top plate I. Next the prong 4 is moved axially of the positioning key to extend the rib I5 through the flute-like portion 25 into the relatively wide portion 26"of the cut 22. Thus when the positioning prong is extended through the opening II of the top plate I into the positioning key, the flute-like portion 25 forms a guide receiving the rib I5 and leading it into the relatively wide portion 26. As downward pressure upon the tube is continued, the rib I5 is forced into engagement with the edges 23-23 of the cylindrical portion I9 adjacent the narrowportion 21 of the cut 22. Pressure of the rib |5 against the converging edges 23-23 adjacent the narrow portion 21 expands the cylindrical portion I9 with the result that the edges 23-23 engage the rib |5 in a line contact, as most clearly shown in Fig. 7, thus effecting' an excellentelectrical connection between the outermost free ends normally in alignment -with the bore 20 of the positioning key so as to enter into cooperative interlocking engagement with a groove30 of the positioning prong 4 (Fig. 5) after passage of the groove 30 through the cylindric'al portion l9 of the positioningkey. Interlocking engagement of the shoulders 29 with the groove 30 takes place, in my preferred form, simultaneously with the maximum engagement of the edges.-23.-23 of the cylindrical member with the rib |5 of the prong, as hereinbefore de? scribed. v j

When the prong 4 of thetube member isv used as a terminal, the positioning key 3 acts as a connector and a soldering lug 3| is provided so as to enable a lead wire to be soldered to the positioning key. In my preferred construction, as most clearly illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the soldering lug 3| extend beyond the lower end of the cylindrical portion I9 in substantially parallel relation to the axis of thebore 20, then laterally and again outwardly and parallel to the axis. The lug 3| may have notches 32-32 formed in opposed edgesadjacent the outermost free end to facilitate attachment of a lead to the lug prior to soldering.

Referring to the socket illustrated in Figs. 10 through 14, with which I have chosen to illustrate my second form of positioning key, the socket is of the so-called molded type comprising a base member 33 of insulating material having a metal collar 34 assembled therewith in any well known manner for securing the base member to a supporting structure.

the upper face 35 entirely through the body member and providing a seat for my second form of positioning key 31. The opening 35 has an internal annular shoulder 38 (Fig. 13) spaced slightly from the end adjacent the face 35 and a pair of notches 39-39 are formed in the lower face 40 adjacent the opening 35 (Figs. 11 and 13) for a purpose to be described. A plurality of openings 35a 0! any desired shape are formed in a circular series around the opening 35 for receiving any suitable form of socket contact terminal (not shown).

7 My second form of positioning key 31, which is preferably formed of sheet metal material, is loosely assembled with" first form of positioning key hereinabove described.

My second form of positioning key comprises a cylindical body portion 4| having a bore 42 extending entirely therethrough. Flange portions 43 are provided adjacent the upper end 43" of .the cylindrical portion 4| adapted to be disposed within the opening 35 and supported by the in- The base member 33 has an opening 35 in the center thereof extending from tween the parts.

y r 2,252,918 ternal annular shoulder ll of the opening 35 whereby axial movement. of the positioning key is. limited in one direction through the opening 35. A pair of lugportions .44 integral with the j lower end 44. of the cylindrical portion 4| extend outwardly in substantially perpendicular relation to the normal axis of the bore 42 of the cylindrical member when the cylindrical member is assembled with the base member. The lug portions 44 are adaptedv to be disposed within the viding a base-.ofinsulating material having an aperture, a plurality of socket cont-acts assembled notches IF" of the base member so as to limit portion 4 l extending, in my preferred, form, en-

tirely through the cylindrical portion in a line parallel to the axis of the bore thereof providing spaced-apart edges 46-46. The cut 45 has a relatively wide portion.41(Flg. adjacent the upper end 43* of the cylindrlcal'portion 4|, which is of greater width than the rib I! of the positioning prong 4 and, serves to receive the rib it upon initial entrance 0! the prong 4 into the positioning key. The cut 45 tapers from the wide portion 41 toward the lower end 44 of the cylindrical portion 4| providing. a portion 48; (Fig. 15) which is relatively narrower than the width of the rib l5.

I In assembling the tube member with the socket, the prong 4 is rotated until the rib I! thereof falls within the relatively wide opening 41 of the out 45, at which time the pins In of the tube member are in alignment with proper pin-receiving terminals (not shown) of the socket member. As pressure is exerted upon the tube member to force the prong 4 axially downwardly relative to the positioning key 31, the rib l5 enters into engagement with the edges 46-46 of the cylindrical portion 4| adjacent the narrow portion 48 of the cut acting as a wedge to expand the cylindrical portion. As a result, when the tube member has been moved into final position, the edges '4646 of the cylindrical portion adjacent the narrow portion 48 of the cut engage the rib IS in line contacts, as shown in Fig. 14, so as to efiect secure engagment be- Where it is desired to use my second form of positioning keyas a connector, a wiring terminal 49 may be provided integral with the cylindrical portion 4| and extending beyond the end 44' of the same for receiving a lead wire (not shown).

Thus by my invention my improved position ingkeys, in assembly with suitable socket base members, firmly engage a positioning prong of a tube member so as to hold the vacuum tube firmly in place even though the tube member is mounted in a horizontal position and even though the parts are subjected to great vibration. At the same time, my improved positioning keys make good electrical contact with the positioning prong of a tube member through reason of the line contacts effected by the tight engagement of the separated edges of the cylin drical walls 01' the respectiv positioning keys with the rib of the positioning prong.

Although I have illustrated and described preferred embodiments of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereby because the scope of my invention is best defined by the following claims.

I claim: l

1. An electrical connection comprising plug and socket members, said socket member prowith said insulating base, and a hollow member disposed within the aperture of said base, said hollow memberhaving a cut extending axially thereof forming a pair of separated edges, and said plug member providing a metal depending prong having an integral laterally projecting key, and a series of dependingcontact prongs, said contact prongs being received in electrical engagement by said socket contacts, said prong having said key extending into said hollow member and said projecting key being received between and engaged in edge contact by said separated edges thereof.

2. An electrical connection comprising plug and socket members, said socket member providing a.

base of insulatin material having a central opening, a plurality'of socket contacts assembled with said insulating base in a series around said central opening, and a hollow central member disposed within the central opening of said insulating base, said central member having a cut extending axially thereof forming a pair of separated edges, and said plug member providing a metal depending central prong having an integrallaterally projecting key, and a series of depending contact prongs around said central prong, said contact prongs being received in electrical engagement by said socket contacts, said central prong extending into said central member and said projecting key being received between and engaged in edge contact by said separated edges thereoiiand said edges being relatively farther apart at one point on the length of said out forming a lead for initial entrance of said projecting key between said edges.

3. An electrical connection comprising plug and socket members, said socket member providing a'base of insulating material having a central'opening, a plurality of socket contacts assembled with said insulating base in a series around said central opening, and a hollow central member disposed within the central opening of said base member, said central member'having a portion of substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape and a non-circular portion at one end providing a hollow ofiset portion extending laterally beyond said cylindrical portion, said cylindrical portion having an axial cut in alignment with said offset portion andv forming a pair of separated edges, and said plug member providing a depending central prong having a laterally projecting key, and a series of depending contact prongs around said central prong, said contact prongs being received in electrical engagement by said socket contacts, said central prong extending into said central member and said projecting key extending through said ofi'set portion and received between them and embraced by said separated edges of said cylindrical portion.

4. A socket of the class described comprising, in combination, superposed upper and lower in sulating plates having aligned central apertures,

- at least said upper plate having a lateral recess on one side of the central aperture thereof for receiving an integral lateral guide projection of a metal positioning prong of a tube member, a plurality of contact members assembled with said insulating plates in a series around said central apertures for making electrical connections with contacts of a tube member, a cylindrical metal member assembled with said insulating plates and extending through the central opening of said lower plate, said cylindrical member having an I axial opening therethrough adapted to r'eeeive 7 said positioning prong of'said tube member, said cylindrical member having a cutin' a wall thereof in parallel relation tothe axis and forming a pair of separated edges in alignmentwithfthe lateral recess of said upper 'plate, said edgesbelng disposed a predetermined distance apart atapoint on the length of said cut to recelveibetweenathem and engage in edge contact said lateral guide pr jection of said positioning prong passing through said lateral recess of said upper plate when said central aperture of saidupperplate.

5. A socket of the class described :comprising,

in combination, superposed upper and lower'i sulating plates having aligned central apertures,

at least said uppflr plate 'havingalateralrecess on one side of the central aperture thereof for] receiving an integral lateral guide projectiorrof'a, metal positioning prongof atube member, a plu rality of contact members assembled with said:

insulating-plates in a series around-saidrcentral positioning rong is properly'extende'd into said:

apertures for making electrical connections with.

contacts-Ora tube member, acylindrlcal metal member assembled withsaid insulating plates and 'extendingthrough the central opening: of

said lower plate, saidcylindrical member having an. axial openingtherethrough adapted [to receive 'said posltionin'g prong of said "tube membenisaid cylindrical member having'a cut in a :wall thereof ln-parallel relation to the axisandaforminga pair of separatedfedges in alignment. with the lateral recess of saidupperplate'asai'd'edgesbeing disposed'a predetermined distanceapart at a point on tl'ie length of saidicutito receive between them andengage in dge contact said-lateral guide pro-- jection ofsaid positioning'prong passing through said lateral :recess of saidupper plate when saidi positioning prong is properly extended into i said central aperture ofsaid upper plate, andsaid edges being relativelylfarther 'apartadjacent another point on the length of 'said'cut forming a lead for initialentrance of said "lateral aguide projection between said edges.

- SCIPIONE M. DEL CAMP. 

